
Author . 



itie 



xnprint . 



IG — iTwn-2 aro 



7 5T] 



r J 



Sl^e QiJ^e9 of tl;^ ^ast; 



OR 



THE MARCH OF PROGRESS. 



Being a History, in Outline, of the G-rowth and Development of the City of Meri- 
dian, Mississippi, from the Earliest Period of Its Existence to the Present Time, in the 
Jorm of 

^^^,^ A PLAY, 

To be Presented at the Opera House in Meridian by a Company of La,dies and Gren- 
tlemen of the City, in the interest of a Fnnd to be started for the Purpose of erecting a 
Monument over the G-raves of the Confederate Dead, in Rose Hill Cemetery, in said city. 

T7s7"ritterL :E]specia-ll37" for tl:Le Occa-sionx 

BY 




ONE OF THE OLDEST INHABITANTS. 

We live for the Present and Future — loving the Past. 

->^^-» 

NlAY, 1889. 



:^<; 



JIJN 8 1889 ^'J/ 




Copyi'ifiljLt, 1889, by 

E, H, riial. 



All rifrhts reserved- 



to 



Cast of Chiaracters. 



Meridian. 



Oarpbt-Bagger, 
Negro, 

^ Jim, 
Ka Klux, 



Sowashee Station, Miss Edna Price 

i Miss Mary White 

( Miss Pauline Townsend 

Watchman, A Voice in the Distance 

M. & 0. R. R. Conductor Mr. Jas. E. Lockard 

Methodist Circuit Rider, Mr. Means Blewett 

Presbyterian Minister, Mr, Oscar Andrews 

Episcopal Ministkr, Mr. JefF Preston 

Ragsdale House Clerk, Mr. Giis Kendall 

Eagsdale House Porter, Mr. Dick Bourdeaux 

C Mr. Watt J ones 

Confederate Soldiers, J ^^- ^V^- f • goldsmith 

' ^ Mr. W. S. Harris, Jr. 

and others 

Mr. J. C. Inge 

Mr. S. M. Catchings 

Mr. A. H. Ball 

Mr. Levi Hurlbiitt 

Mr. R. A. Fewell 

Mr. S. M. Catchings 

Mr. J no. S. Goldsmith 

Mr. A. H. Ba'l 

Mr Gus Kendall 

Mr. E. H. Dial 

. Mr. A. H. Ball 

Jno. S. Goldsmith 

Mr. R. A. Fewell 

Mr. Levi Hurl butt 

and others 

Mr. Henry Brooke 

Miss Ella Thornton 



Merchants, 

Farmer, 
Eli, 



Bill, 
Mike, . 

! Colonel, 
Major, 
Captain, 



Welfare Committee,< 



Gen. Hustler, . 
Col. Peninink, 
First Private Member, 
Second Private Member, 



Mr. 



Capitalist, 
The Spirit of 



Progress, 



THT5 INDUSTRIES. 



Hardware, .... 

Jewelry and Silverware, 

The Queen and Crescent Railroad 

The Post Office, 

The Cotton Compress, 

The Ice Factory, 

The Fire Department, 

The National Banks, 

The Queen of Flowers, 

The Goddess of Grain, Etc., . 

Crockery, .... 

The Candy Factory, 

The Cigar Factory, 

The Furniture Factory, 

Insurance Business, 

Drug Stores, 

Dry Goods, .... 



Millinery, .... 
Photographic Studio, . 
Music, .... 

Meridian Daily News, 
Meridian Daily Democrat, 
Sash and Blind Factory, 
Machine Shops and Foundries, 
Public Schools, 
Fertilizer Factory, 
Carriage Factory, 



Mrs. E\ilalia A. Ramsay 
Miss Tillie HafteV 
Miss Evie Cox 
Miss Susie Montoomery 
Miss EUie Murphy 
Miss Daisy Williams 
Miss Letitia Lockard 
Miss Lee Dabney 
Mrs. J. D. Preston 
Miss Sudie Harris 
Miss Mollie Murphy 
Miss Mary Leigh Watkins 
Miss Nora Hood 
Miss Hettie Jones 
Miss Clara Mooser 
Mrs. A. S. Barnes 
Mrs. Kutcher Threetbot 
Miss Birdie Mclnnis 
Miss Ellie Williams 
Miss Nannie Lockard 
Miss Maggie Brown 
. Miss Eddie Taft 
Miss Florence Jenkins 
Miss Pattie Oakley 



Fairies, 



Helen Kimbrough 

lone Kimbrough 

Aimee Reed 

Emelle Dial 

Marie Jefferson 

Hattie Ramsay 



TMP92-009096 




THE QUEEN OF THE EAST; 



OR 



TPlne March of Progress. 



ACT I. Ante Bellum Era. 

I Scene : Piney Woods St.ation, known as "Sowashee Station," on 
the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, surrounded by an old Cotton Field 
and Pine Woods. To be represented by a little girl, plainly and 
simply djfessed.] 

Sowashee — I'm only a little Railroad station, 
Sowashee is my name, 
I'm known alone to Ragsdale and Ball 
And all unknown to fame. 

I belong, 'tis said, to these two men— 

These visionary beings ; 
Aladdin's wonders fall far short 

Of all their wondrous seeings. 

I'm poor, but proud, and blush to own 

I have no pedigree ; 
I was only discovered by Jno. T. Ball 

In eighteen, fifty-three. 

One of my owners has it planned 

To name me "Ragsdale City," 
And while I'm sure on this he's left, 

Yet he's certainly very gritty. 

"Meridian," I think, will be my name — 

The centre of all creation. 
Ambitious ! Crazy ! did you say ? 

Poor little Sowashee Station ! 

Yes, I'm only a little station 

On the M. & O., 
But Ragsdale and Ball, they swear by me. 

And say thej^'U make me grow. 

[Enter Mobile & Ohio train in charge of Conductor, who sounds 
whistle to stop train, puts on brakes, brings train to a stand-still and an- 
nounces : "Sowashee Station."] ' 

Conductor — 'i Addressing Soumshee] — Good morning, 
my little friend ! Out here in the piney woods all by 
yourself yet ? 

Sowashee — Yes, I'm still alone. 

Conductor — Lonesome ? 

SowASJiEE — No, I pass away the time thinking of the 
future. 

Conductor — Discouraged ? 

Sowashee — No, I'm full of hope — I hope to grow. 

Conductor — Any other Railroad got here yet 'i 

Sowashee — No ; none but yours, the M. & O. 

Conductor— How are you to grow without Eailroads ? 

Sowashee — They'll come by and by. 

Conductor — Yes, in the sweet by and by. Where's my 
friend, Mr. John T. Ball, one of your chief proprietors ? 
Sowashee — He's up yonder on the hill laying off lots. 

Conductor — And my visionary friend, L. A. Ragsdale— 
Where's he ? 

Sowashee — He's oft" somewhere trying to hold his lands 
^waiting for a rise. 

Conductor — Waiting for a rise ! There won't be any 
rise anywhere about here in these diggins until Judgment 
Day. Well, my little friend, I must hurry on — can't stop 



long at "flag stations," you know. Must hurry along to 
Marion station, where we make a good long stop. Good- 
bye till I see you again. Take care of yourself and stay 
here till I get back on my return trip. There's lots of 
land around here. Tell Ragsdale to be sure and hold it 
and not let it get away. Tata! All aboard! [Sounds 
tohlstle to leave. Exit Conductor loitli Train.] 

Sowashee {SoUloqulzmg) — Well,' he has cold comfort, 
to be sure. Yes, I'll be here when he gets back. The day 
will come yet when he won't snub me in this style. I'm 
small now, 'tis true; but I see myself a bustling, glittering 
city, ruling all this region round about. Marion Station, 
indeed! Marion's nowhere. I'll get ahead of Marion 
yet. I don't like for him to make fun of me just because 
I'm little. No, I don't either, and I won't like him any 
more, so I won't, and — [breaks down in sobs.] 

[Enter Methodist Circuit- Rider.] 

Circuit Rider — Hello, what {»lace are you ? 

Sowashee — I am Sowashee station-^a new town just 
started. 

Circuit Rider — Eh-heh! I heard about you and thought 
I'd come and see. You see I'm a Methodist Circuit Rider 
and thought I'd better start a church here. You don't 
seem to be much of a town so far. However, I'll tell 
the Methodist Conference that I've found you, and we'll 
plant ourselves down here and wait for somebody to come. 
Say, sissy, how many inhabitants have you ? 

Sowashee — Only two — Ragsdale and Bajl. 

Circuit Rider — Eh-heh ! Still, nevertheless, you are 
a community. You'll grow and need preaching to. From 
now on there'll be regular preaching here, you understand, 
at appointed times. You can count on a Methodist Church, 
if nothing else. Farewell, for this time! I must go now, 
but will return. [Exit Circuit Eider.] 

Sowashee — This now is encouraging! I do believe I 
will grow. One station house, one church, two inhabi- 
tants, and lots and streets all laid off! This is getting 
along nicely. 



Watchman in the 



[Soioashee turns and addresses the 
distance.] 

Sowashee — Watchman, tell us of the night. 
What its signs of promise are! 

Watchman — The owls still hoot from dark till light. 
And roost o'er the city's marshy site ; 
The bull-frogs, all with the catarrh, 
On Front street croak — croak, regular ! 

Sowashee — But, Watchman, can't you drive them away. 
And tell them go to the swamps and stay ; 
That Progress is hovering o'er these bogs, 
That her touch is death to croaking frogs .' 

Watchman — No, no, my child ! 

The owls, they laugh your dreams to scorn. 
And claim the rights they had when born ; 
And the frogs, while they these marsh s hug. 
With a smile jump in, head-first — herchug! 



2 



The aueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



[Re-Enter M. & O. Train in charge of Conductor on return trip. 
Conductor sounds whistle to stop, puts on brakes, and ann Dunces: 
"Sowashee Station !''] 

Conductor — You are here yet, are you, my little san- 
guine pine knot? Any new inhabitants since I saw you 
last ? 

Sowashee — No, not exactly, but I've had one caller — a 
Methodist minister — who proposes and intends establish- 
ing a Church here. That will be a good start. 

Conductor — Yes, the start will be good enough, as far as 
it goes. But don't you reckon it will end with the start ? 
You needn't felicitate yourself on working up a boom out 
of this movement ; for a Methodist Church at a place is 
no sign it's a big place. The Methodists, they are every- 
where, and they would be here and seize you and hold 
you, even if you never do amount to anything. Yes, you're 
right — that's a mighty good start. Keep a'hoping, ray 
little girl. I don't want to throw any cold water on your 
visions. Yes, you're moving right along. I can hear you 
growing. ''The baby's hair is still a'curling." One station 
house and two inhabitants, fixed — realities already ; one 
church and a preacher on paper I The town is on a regu 
lar boom! "Let her roll, Gallagher!" All aboard! 
[Sounds whistle and train moves oiF.] 

[Re-Enter Methodist Circuit-'Rider.] 

Circuit Rider— Well Fm here again and establish a 
church as I promised. In obedience to the orders of Con- 
ference I hereby plant Methodism in Sowashee Station. — 
[He takes Ms seat.] 

Sowashee — Welcome, Welcome! Fm glad you've 
come. But I hear another footfall. 

[ Turns to see, token a Presbyterian Minister Enters.] 

Presbyterian Minister — Are you Sowashee Station? 

Sowashee — I am. 

Presbyterian Minister — Well, I was on the search for 
you. I heard you were here. I'm a Presbyterian Minis- 
ter and my object is to establish a Presbyterian Church at 
this place. 

Sowashke — Welcome, welcome ! The Methodists have 
already established themselves, and everything looks 
bright and hopeful. 

Presbyterian Minister — You don't say so! They have 
captured the town already, have they? How many in- 
habitants have you ? 

Sowashee — Two. 

Presbyterian Menister — Who are they ? 

Sowashee — Ragsdale and Ball. 

Presbyterian Minister — Well, the Methodists may 
have the town; I will take the inhabitants. I hereby 
plant the Presbyterian Church in the city of Sowashee 
and assert my claim to the owners thereof. [Seats him- 
Helf.] 

Sowashee — That's all right, I reckon; but its just like a 
Presbyterian. He wants the owners of the town just be- 
cause he imagines they are better than anybody else — the 
toniest people in town. Well, if they are the only peo- 
ple in town I suppose they must be the toniest, so he is 
safe on that proposition. That Methodist brother will, 
however, hold him a light when it comes to gathering 
them in from all kinds of material as the town grows 
and expands. They are both good workers though, and I 
am glad they are here. But look, here comes another ! 

[Episcopal Minister Enters.] 
Episcopal Minister — Are you Sowashee Station ? 
Sowashee — I am. 



Episcopal Minister— I heard that there was such a 
p!ace on the line of the M. & 0. Railroad. I have come 
to establish a church of the Episcopal faith in your midst. 
What prospects for future developments of the town? 
Any more railroads coming in here? Do you think you 
will grow ? 

Sowashee— Oh, yes. We already have a Methodist and a 
Presbyterian Church, a few inhabitants, and besides a 
railroad in operation we have a railroad in contemplation 
from Vicksburg to this point to be completed in the near 
future. I'll be glad to have you here. There'll be plenty 
of material for you to work on, for 1 am beginning to be 
impressed with the idea that this is going to be a flourish- 
ing and a high-toned town in every respect. Have a seat, 
sir, here with these other Ministers. 

Episcopal Minister — Very well. From this day forth 
there is established here the Episcopal Church — and let 
everybody take notice. 

[Enter M. c& O. Railroad Conductor, with 7rain.] 
Conductor — Hello! Things begin to look animated 
around here. You're growing ! Somebod^^'s come ! 

Sowashee — Yes, three churches already established — 
and we might say, four ! 

Conductor — And those men are all preachers, are they 
— all got their plants in? Their mills are all ready, wait- 
ing for the grist. By the way, what churches do those, 
fellows run ? 

Sowashee — That serious, faithful looking man, he is a 
Methodist Minister — a Methodist (^ircuit Rider; I am 
on his circuit. 

Conductor — Yes, he looks like one. I'll bet you he 
honestly believes that religion is abetter thing for a town 
to have than a railroad; and what's more, hjo'll whoop it, up 
on that line, too. They put religion above everything 
else, and are actually in dead earnest about it. Strange 
people, these Methodists are! Well, go ahead, who are the 
others ? 

Sowashee — That jolly, comfortable looking fellow — the 
one doing all the talking — he's telling some joke or anec 
dote to the others — he's a Presbyterian; and that correct 
looking gentleman with the clergyman's vest, is an Epis- 
copalian. 

Conductor — Well, where is the Baptist? I'd a thought 
you would have captured a Baptist belbre now to add to 
your collection. 

Sowashee — I told you I might claim four churches as 
well as three, for the Baptist is the same as here now. 
There has been a Baptist minister about here looking 
around. He has gone down to Sowashee creek not far 
oif, for the purpose, so he said, of investigating our water 
supply before coming to town and locating. It takes wa 
ter, you know, to run a Baptist Church. 

Conductor — Yes, and a heap of it! 

Sowashee — Now, don't you regard all this as good in- 
dications for the future, and quite an improvement to the 
town ? 

Conductor — Yes, it improves the town considerably as a 
chicken market. Three preachers and another one a'com- 
ing! Where aie you going to get the chickens to feed 
them on ? Yes, I reckon this is a pretty good start — and a 
proper start. No use in starting off a town without 
churches. After getting them and some schools, then 
you'll be ready to grow. Look out, though, my little one, 
that you don't have more religion in your beginning than 
you do in your ending. But in the meantime you'd bet- 
ter throw an anchor to windward for another railroad. 
Farewell ! I must pull out now. All aboard for Marion 



The Q,ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



But hold I Here comes another train ! Look ! 



First train from Yicksburs; I 



Hurrah 



Station ! 
Look! 

SowAsHEK — Yes ! 
for the Southern Railroad* ! Welcome ! Welcome ! 

Presbyterian Minister — Another railroad completed ! 
Marvelous ! Wonderful I 

Episcopal Minister — God be praised for the final ac- 
complishment of this great undertaking! May His bless- 
ings be poured out abimdantly on this town ! 

M. & O. Conductor — For we are "getting there, Eli, with 
both feet, and don't you forget it!" 

[Train comes puffing in from Vicksburg, and Conductor of same 



cries out- 
nochee !" 



'Sowashee Station — Change cars for Mobile and Succa- 



[Ourtain Goes Down.] 



A(JT 11. War Era. 



been 
than 



[ScEXK 1ST: The Town or Station — the name having 
changed to Meridian — is here represented by a larger girl 
"Sowashee" in preceding Act.] 

Meridian — Well, at last they've named me "Meridian." 
The coming of the new Railroad — the Southern Railroad — 
had much to do towards deciding it. I'm no longer 
Sowashee Station ! One of my proprietors insisted for 
a while on calling me "Ragsdale City,'' but it wouldn't 
take. Henceforth, I'm "Meridian — the Future Great!'' 
I expect now to grow right along. Everything is favora- 
ble. I already have one of the chief requisites to a grow- 
ing town or cit}' — an institution which no ambitious town 
can do without — a real hotel — the Ragsdale Hotel — where 
can be had the best the market affords, and good lodging. 
One or two stores have, also, been opened — small, 'tis true; 



got 



but "tall oaks from little acorns grow." We've ^ 
splendid and extensive stock of choice new lands, nicely 
laid otf into lots and squares and sizes to suit the most fas- ' 
tidious. The frogs and the owls, like the Indians, are 
being crowded out. I'm rapidly rising above the dignity 
of a "frog pond." If nothing interferes, I will blossom 
yet into a city. Oh, I wonder what the future has in store 
for me! My watchman upon the tower, who is ever 
scanning the distant horizon on ever}' side and taking in 
everything between, who reads in the heavens the signs 
of the times, who noted the asjDect of the planets at the 
very hour of my birth— my prognosticator, prophet, ora- 
cle—I hope he is reading the heavens favorably for me 
to-night, and that his searching eye discerns no evil com- 
ing! His eye sees everything that's brewing. 

Meridian — Watchman ! Tell us of the night. 
What its signs of promise are. 

Watch M.\N — Our country, once so glad and bright, 
Is trembling 'neath the tread of war. 

Mkridian — War — war, it wilt soon be done, 

As soon as the boys have had their fun. 

Watchman — No ! Serious and sick'ning grows the gloom 
The red blood runs — the cannon boom. 

Mkridian — Oli, Watchman, can't you stop it's flow, 
.\nd give poor me a chance to grow .' 

Watch. man — No, no, my child : but bow your head. 

For I catch the sound of the" soldiers' tread ; 
Ragged and hungry — they come, they come! 
1 lear the sound of the beating drum I 

[Drum beats and Cuftain Falloij. 
Tahleau: 



7'/)e iSoMler Boya Goofl-Byc. 



■'Farewell, mother, I may never 
See thy loving face again. 
But, oh, you'll not forget me mother. 
If I'm numbered with the slain, 



ABT II, Scene 2nd. 

[Office in Ragsdale Hotel at night. Negro Porter sitting asleep 
Enter Confederate Soldier, who sees no one on first entering.] 

Soldier — Hello boss ! Who's around here ? Where's 
the clerk, if you've got any ? Hello there, nigger — wake 
up — wake up! S^Kegro waken ujj and stretches and ga2)es.^ 
Where's the boss of this shanty — where's the clerk ? 

Porter — S^Half awake ?[ He's sleep. 

Soldier — What town is this, any how? 

Porter — This is Mareegion. 

Soldier — What place is this — this house — is^it a hotel ? 

Porter — Yas, sir — Hit's the Ragsdale Hotel. 

Soldier — Well, I want to stay all night — stir your 
stumps — wake up the clerk or the proprietor, or some- 
body — hustle now — get a move on you — I'm sleepy. 

\PoHer retires slotohj after Ughtiny candle^ and is 
heard, behind the scene waking up clerk. Clerk comes in 
half asleep- 

Soldier — [7b clerk.^ I want to put up here to-night. 
Can I get a room ( 

(Jlerk — I reckon so. 
Soldier — All right — I'm mighty tired. 
Clerk — Register vour name, please, and pav me vour 
bill. 
Soldier — How much for a night's lodging i' 
Clerk — Twenty-five dollars. 
Soldier — All right, "let her roll Gallagher." 

Clerk — [Ringing for Porter^ Show the gentleman up 
to "Number 40." 

\ Exeunt Porter and Soldier.] 
[Enter another Soldier., No 2. Clerk dropped into a, doze.] 

Soldier — Wake up, mv friend ! Is this 
Hotel? 

Clerk — Yes, sir. 

Soldier — Well, give me a room — wliere's your Regis- 
ter i? [He Registers] 

(;1lerk — Twenty-five dollars. [Soldier /tags him..] 

Soldier — I'm ready. Where's your porter? 

Clerk — [Rings for Porter. Enter Porter ] Show tlie 
gentleman up to "Number 40.'' 

[Exeunt Porter and Soldier. Clerk begins making 2) rep- 
arations as if intending to retire again when enter two 
Soldiers.] 

Soldier, No. 3 — [Registers 
room. We're worn out. [His 
registers. ] 

Clerk — All right. Do you both want to occupy the 
same room ? 



the Ragsdale 



his Name.] We want a 

coinpanion.. Soldier No. 4, 



SoLDiEK, No. --) — Yes, any way, just so we get a rest. 

Clerk — Twenty-five dollars a piece. [Tlie two soldiers 

pay. Clerh rings for porter sever o.l tinier, who finally gets 

ck frord his last tr it.] Here, Bill, show these gentle- 



ha 



*Thc- Railroiid now known sis tlic \'icksburg ;ind SItiidiaii Railroad, 
long time (until afttr the war) bore the name of the "Southern Railroad."'' 



lor a 



^ror,i his last trip.] 
men up to "Number 40." [Torter vnth candle in hand 
scrolls out lazily with soldiers following ] Plague 
take these soldiers ! I wish they would sleep out of doors 
— they're used to it. They bother me coming here this 
time of night. If this business keeps up this way all 
night this hotel will be full before morning. It's been go- 
ing on ever since supper. I'm going to try to snatch an- 
other snooze before any more of them stumble in here. 

[CuiUiiu Falls.] 



The aueen of the East; Or the March of Progress. 



ACT II, Scene 3d. 

[Room No, 40, Ragsdale Hotel. Soldiers all sleeping- oti the flooi- 
— F"inally one scratches himself — then another — and another, and so 
on, till all get to scratching, groaning and roUin - i^-i-- D„..t„„ ...:n, 
another soldier.] 



Enter Porter with 



Porter— Go right in dare, sir, and go to bed. 

SohviKR- -[Hesitaimff.] But the clerk didn't send me to 
this room. 

Porter- Yas sur, he did. He told me to fetch you to 
"Number 40." 

Soldier— But this room is perfectly alive with soldiers. 

One of the Occupants— If there wasn't nothing- alive 
in liere but soldiers, you could get through the night with- 
out a scratch. Come in and make yourself at home— 
needn't be backward--everythingison a level in here. 

Soldier- -Well, I reckon I'll have to tackle it -so here 
goesl [Lies doint. loiih the other soldiers.^ 

[Curtain Falls.] 



Tableau :--- The Soldier Bon ^'* D^dn. 

'•Just before the battle, moHier, 
I am thinking most of you. 

While upon the field I'm watching, 
With the enemy in view.'' 



Song : Mother, is the Battle Over f 



Mother, is the battle over? 

Thousands have been slain, they say. 
Is my brother coming? Tell me — 

Has our army gained the day? 
Is he well or is he wounded? 

Mother, do you think he's slain? 
If you know I pray you tell me — 

Will my brother come again? 

CHORLS: 

Mother is the battle; over? 

Thousands have been slain, they say. 
Is my brother coming? tell me, 

Has our army gained the day.' 

Mother dear, you're always sighing, 

Since you last the paper read; 
Tell me why you now are crying. 

Is my dearest brother dead? 
Ah! I see you cannot tell me, 

Brother's one among the slain! 
Tho' he loved us very dearly, 

Will he ever come again? 

Fighting for our glorious Southland, 

Like a hero he was slain, 
Still the day may not be distant 

When in Heav'n we'll meet again. 



Tableau.— TAe Grave of an '■'■Unknown.'''' 

"Only a Private ! no ribbon or star 

Shall gild with false glory his name ! 
No honor for him in braid or in bar, 
His legion of honor is only a scar. 

And his wounds are his roll of fame ! 



Only a martyr who fought and who fell. 

Unknown and unmarked in the strife ! 
But still as he lies in his lonely cell, 
Angel and seraph the legead shall tell — 
Such a death is eternal life !" 



ACT III---Keoonstruction Era. 

[Scene ist: Return of Peace — The sounds of Hammer and Saw 
and Brick-Mason's Trowel are heard.] 

Meridian— "O Peace ! thou source and soul of human life." . 
"O first of human blessings and supreme I 
Fair Peace ! how lovely, how delightful thou 1 
By whose wide tie the kindred sons of men, 
Like brothers live — 

while honest toil 

Gives every joy, and to those joys a right 
Which idle, barbarous rapine but" usurps — 
Pure is thy reign." 

Thank heaven, I bear enmity to no man ; those who 
were my foes are my brothers now. 

"No more shall the war-cry sever. 

Or the winding rivers be red;" 
All anger is banished forever 

When we laurel the graves of their dead 1 
Under the sod and the dew, 

Waiting the judgment day ; — 
Love and tears for the Blue, 

Tears and love for the Gray !" 

Yes, how glad I am for peace ! There's music in the 
sound of the hammer and the saw, and hope in the ring 
of the brick mason's trowel. [T?tri>i5 and Addresses 

Watchman.^ 

Meridian — Watchman ! Tell us of the night, 
What its signs of promise are. 

Watchman — Night — night — night — night, 

Long night of gloom without a star ! 

Meridian — Why is it, Watchman, why — tell me pray — 
Why is my hope so long deferred ? 

Watchman — Because, my child, the vile hold sway. 
And honesty is sepulchred. 
These days are the days of the Carpet-bag — 
The harvest time of the Scalawag. 

Let Reconstruction nm ils coiii-3^ , 

Submit you must to the rule of force. 
The Carget-Bagger now holds swav — 
Every dog must have his d?y ! 

Enter Car'pet=(Bagger. 

Carpet-Bagger — Ah! This is the goodly city of Me- 
ridian that you read about !' [Sees Meridian sitting hj and 
hows coniplacnethj as if desiring to make acquaintance. 
Meridian turns her hack contenn)tuoiijsly onhim.^ Ah! 
you stuck up little affair, you ! You snub me, do you ! 
Y^ou little would-if-you -could, one-horse town, you refuse 
to make my acquaintance ! These little struggling, 
thread-bare, pauperized, down-in-the-ditch Southern com- 
munities are as proud and haughty as if they had the 
whole earth in a swing. Depriving them of their proper- 
ty is like clipping the wings of an unruly old chicken — 
they can't fly quite as high as they used to, but they still 
step high and keep looking up for a crack in the fence to 
get througli. All right ! Let her turn her back on me ; let 
her give me the back of her hand if it gives Iter pleasure. 
I didn't come all the way from Massachusetts down here 
to this little village in search of social stayiding. I've 
quit hunting for social standing. It's time thrown away. 
There's plenty of that in Massachusetts for any fellow who 
desires to frit away his time trying to conform himself and 
his conduct to the whims of that class of people who as- 
sume to run the social standing question. Poor little 
Meridian! It breaks my heart to even suspect that I anl 
not welcome! Ha — ha — ha — ha. — [Retires to one side.^ 

[Enter Negro ] 

Negro — Well, gentlew^w, life's purty tough. A nigger 
has to work hard fur what he gits. Here I is been working 
hard all de week and ain't got but only $3.00. [Tulls it 
out and looks at it, and finally ptits it in his pocket.] and 
got to git some pervisions wid hit. It's bad to have to 
spend every solitary cent a man's got fur grub. But 



The Clueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



yoirs bleeged to have grub. Tlie ole 'omaii and the 
chikleni needs cloze more'n what they's got. But bime- 
by, I'll sorter ketch up and git straiglit, I reckon. 

[Turns to go^ is intercepted by Carpet- Bagger.^ 

Carpet-Bagger — Hello, my friend! Do you live about 
here I You seem to be well-to-do and at home. 

Negro — Yas sir, I lives here. 

OARPET-BAGGER--Eh-heh ! Glad to see you. I want to 
get acquainted with all such men as you. 

Negro — Yas, sir ! I knows you already. You's de 
new man dat come to dis town so's you can be our nex 
Circus Jedge, ain't you. 1 seed you las night up to Lock- 
hart and heard 'em 'scussin' you. Is you just now got in? 

Carpet-Bagger — Yes— only today; and I want to talk 
to you quietly and privately about this and various things. 

[Puts his arm around negro, and while talking in low tone, with 
other hand in negro's pocket. Meridian repeats following lines, Car- 
pet-Bagger transferring money to his own pocket as Meridian repeats 
last two lines.] 

Meridian — Old Greeley says the scalawags 

And Carpet-baggers say, 
With an earnest and a solemn look. 

To the darkey "let us prey ;" 
Their spelling of this little word 

Poor darkey cannot see — 
Instead of spelling with an A 

The}' spell it with an E ; 
And all they have to say or do. 

Is to tell them they are Rads. 
And while one hand's around the nig, 

The other's after scads. 

[Enter M. & O. R. R. Train.] 

]VI & O. Brakeman— Meridian ! Change cars for Selma, 
Vicksburg, and Chattanooga! 

[Enter V & M R. R. Train.] 

Y. e*c M. Brakeman -Meridian! Change cars for Mo- 
bile, Corinth, Selma, and Chattanooga! 

[Enter Selma and Meridian Train.] 

8. & M. Brakeman— Meridian ! Change cars for Vicks- 
burg, Mobile, Corinth, and Chattanooga! 

[Enter Alabaina and Chattanooga Train.] 

A. & C. Brakeman— Meridian ! Change cars for Mo- 
bile, Corinth, Vicksburg, and Selma ! 

[Hotel Porters call out their Hotels.] 

- [Curtain Fallo.] 



Tableau : ^'■Reconstruction.'''' 



ACT III. Scene 2nd. 

[Deep Dark Forest — Time, Midnight — Enter Three Ku-Klux- -Jim, 
Bill and Mike — leading Carpet-bagger with Rope arovmd his neck.] 

Jim— [To Carpet-'Bagger] Say, don't be so skeer- 
ed, my triend ; be spunky and gritty, and brave, like you 
^ere in the war--like you were when you followed up 
the army, and boldlj^ sold your stuff to the Yankee sol- 
diers. Now is nothing to then. I declare! If he ain't 
so skeered he can't talk. His knee-jints are clanking 
together. Don't be so consounded skeered, you fool you 
- we ain't going to do nothing to you buthangyou. Say, 
Bill, don't you think he has been in this world long 
enough and might aftbrd to "cross over the river" now ? 

Bill— I don't know. How old is he ? Lemme see his 
teeth ! [Goes wp and looks Carpet-(Bagger in the mouth. '\ 
Yes, Jim, I think he has served his purpose here on earth 
and it would be unfair to detain him. 

MiKK— That's me too. I'm one of these sort of fellows 
who don't believe in working a willing horse to death. 



Even if this apostle is willing to abide longer with us on 
this terrestrial ball; j^et if he longs to be freed from earth- 
Ij'" cares, I think we ought to "touch him otf." 

Carpet-Baggkr— [S/ammerif:g-.] Please, gentlemen, let 
me go ! 

Mike- -Didn't we just say we are going to let you go ? 

CARPhT-BAGGER— But tum me loose— release me, I pray 
you! 

Jim— What do you want to be released for? 

Carpet-Bagger— So I can go back to my home in Mas- 
sachusetts ; I'll leave and never return. 

Jim— Well, what did you come down here for ? Didn't 
you expect to die among us when you came ? You didn't 
intend to be so temporarj'^ in your sojournment, did you ? 

Bill — And hav'nt you always heard that this is a 
mighty unhealthy country? Didn't you know that the 
people down here die as well as anywhere else ? 

Jim— Oh, the dying part's all right. That ain't what 
he's kicking against. He only hates for his relations to 
know that he died with a rope on his neck. 

Mike— Oh, if that's all, that can be set all right. We 
can write to his people that he died with the malaria ; that 
the chills and fever undermined his constitution. How's 
that for a "comp," old pard? '^Addrasstng Carpet-'Bag- 
ger.] He does'nt sa3^ I take it though that silence gives 
consent. 

Jim- How shall we hang him— old style or new style? 

BiLL-He's a nice, genteel looking fellow — let's give 
him the latest modern improvement. He's got nerve- 
he can stand it. 

Mike — Yes, any white man that would steal from a 
nigger has got nerve enough to stand anything. 

Bill — Now, boys, I'm always in favor of doing the fair 
thing — give every man a square deal. Let's not take ad- 
vantage of him just because we've got him in our power. 
Let's give him a chance to say his prayers, if he wants 
to. If there's any one thing I believe in it's religious 
liberty. Let him pull the stopper out of his prayer bot- 
tle if he wants to, and just let it run. I'm the man that 
can stay here and stand it till he gets through. 

Jim — All right, so far as I'm concerned. What sav you 
Mike ? 

Mike — Same here ! But ain't that the regular order 
any how ? 

Jim — It is for niggers. But you have to take a 
special vote when it comes to decorating the forests with 
one .of these here mangy, one-shirted carpet-baggers. 

Mike — You're right! Well, lets get at it. Here my 
friend, siir yourself! Kneel in prayer if you want to. 
Light in and pray for anything you want to. This is a 
free country. [Looking Carpet-Bagger in the face.] Boys, 
I'll be derned my cats if he aint dead ! \'rur7is him loose. 
Corpse falls over.] 

BiLL--Is he dead, sure 'nuff? 

Jim — Yes -He's dead. 

Bill- Well, poor fellow! We never done it, did we, 
boys? 

Mike- No— We ain't guilty. 

Jim— No, sir— he just died by himself ! 

Mike — There ain't no body can say he was hung— can 
they ? 

Bill— No— If they do, they will sure lie. 

Jim -What excuse will we give for his being dead— if 
it's ever found out ? 



6 



The Q-ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



MiKK — Oh, we can just say he froze to death. 

Bill — But its too hot down here in this swamp lor a 
man to freeze to death. Let's get up something reasona 
ble, 

Mike — Well, here's what happened to him — the buffa- 
lo gnats got the upper hand of him— overpowered him 
as it were. 

Bill- -That settles it— that sounds like it — that's got 
something plausible about it. [Puts his foot on, corpse 
and presses if.] Boys, he's undoubtedly a dead carcass I 

[Curtain Falls.] 



Tablkal": Remlut'ioji.-ls 



I ■>. 



ACT IV. Era of Depression— Doubt-- Yellow Fever. 

Scene 1st. 

[ScENK : Merchant Sitting on Dry Goj.is Box in front of Store 
whittling white jiine. Enter Major.] 

Major — Hello, Colonel! How's business ? 

Colonel -Dull- dull ! How's it around your way ''. 

Major---Du11— nothing doing. 

Colonel— Have a seat and rest yourself. Where are 
you going? 

Major— Am going up to the Bank to make a deposit. 
Get your book and come on. 

Colonel- -Got nothing to deposit. Done nothing to- 
day. [Major takes a seat on hox hy side of Colonel^ and 
takes a piece of white-pine from, him and ijoesto whittling 
also.] tlow much have you got !* 

Ma.jor--- Mighty little, I tell you ; and some of that 
yesterday's business. Colonel let's go hunting to-morrow** 
What say you ? 

Colonel— Hunting is bad here lately. I went the other 
day and found nothing but mosquitos. Where do you 
want to go :' 

Major- Anywhere. Idon't^are. 

Colonel --All right. We'll go if everything is favora- 
ble. But talking about business. I was just sitting here 
turning things over in my mind. Have been studying on 
it for sometime. I've about made up my mind to leave 
this town. I believe Meridian has seen her best days. 
What do you think of her prospects, Major '{ 

Major— I think myself she has about "struck bottom'' 
and is there to stay. She's "a dead duck," I'm afraid. 

Colonel — Yes, sir, she's a "gone coon skin" sure as you're 
born. I used to think Meridian was going to be a town 
— in fact, a city\ but I've lost faith. The money panic 
of '73 knocked the wind out of her sails and she has never 
recovered, and I'm afraid never will. 

Major — Yes, that and Radicalism together about "cook- 
ed her goose." True, since the Democrats turned things 
over generally in '75, she has looked up a little. Every- 
thing has looked up so far as this is concerned. But eve- 
ry body just goes right on by Meridian and pays no at- 
tention to hur. Drummers won't stop here. They don't 
want to sell Meridian any goods. Her credit is bad, and 
w^hile I believe she is improving some, the progress is too 
slow and gradual. 

[Enter Captain from Neighboring Store.] 

Captain — Hello, you two seem to have plenty of leis 
ure — let's have a game of marbles. I'll bet I can beat 
any man in sight. 



Major— Oh, pshaw! I'm tired playing marbles. I've 
just come from playing a game around on Johnson street. 
You and the Colonel take a game. I'm on my way to 
the Bank ^ [Captain takes ii.j> a piece of v^hite-plne and 
goes to whittling.] 

Captain— Well lean beat you a game of drafts then, 
chess, pitching dollars — anything ! W hat are you fel- 
lows talking so seriously about? Planning something? 

Major — No, no. We were just discussing Meridian's 
prospects. Many people are sanguine of iier future and 
imagine we are really entering on a prosperous season 
now; but the Colonel and I agree that there is nothing 
substantial about her sometimes apparent prospects. To 
tell the very truth about matters, business is sure enough 
dull now. 

Captain — I think you are mistaken. I believe the 
town is on an up grade I think she is fast "pulling out 
of the kinks." Our cotton sales are increasing every 
year. I think the town has caught a new hold since the 
establishment of the Compress a year or two ago. 
It gave us a new life and a new existence as a cotton 
market which we have well maintained. All her changes 
are for the better. Whenever a man goes away from Me- 
ridian in search of a better place, he's sure to find his way 
back here sooner or later — isn't 
sure to do it "as aiun's iron." 



that so? He's just as 



[Enter Fanner witli Cotton Sample.] 

Farmer— [. 7b Colonel] Buying cotton to-day? 

Colonel -What have you been offered ? [Takes sam- 
ple and examines it.] 

FARMER--8f . Can you raise it any ? 

Colonel -How much do you want to jtrade today? 
How many bales have you ? 

Farmer- -Three bales. I need a few things--will trade 
a little of it. 

Colonel— George, old fellow, that's about as high as I 
can go, I reckon. That's all it's worth. 

Farmer. -What's the news from the yellow fever towns 
to-day? Any change for the better? No danger of it's 
getting here, is there ? 

Captain — No, it will never get here. That's one thing- 
about Meridian- -she's healthy. It is getting no better 
though in the towns it has struck. 

MAJOR-Some of our people are afraid it will get here 
unless trains are stopped from i-unning, but we've got 
good quarantines against Mobile, New Orleans, Vicks- 
burg and Grenada and against everything. We are 
alright. If it should strike here I would just go ahead 
with my business same as usual. It couldn't hurt this 
town — away up her^ in the interior. Where would you 
go if it should come here? 

Colonel — Really, I don't know. I think, thougli, I 
would stay here --not leave at all. 

Captain — I think that I would too. That, however, is 
to be decided alter it gets here. 

Major— Yes, some of our sensible people are making- 
fools of themselves about it. They are scai*ed to death 
before it even thinks of getting here. The thing I'm af- 
ter is to build up business and put some life in the old 
town instead of .sitting up looking for the yellow fever 
every minute 

[Enter Meridian.] 

Meridian — Watchman, tell us of the night, 
What its signs of promise are 1 



The Q,ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



Watchman" — The people soon will take to flight, 

The town stampede — "a pulse is still — 

There's a form to shroud and a grave to fill, 

All shroudtd soon the town will lie 

And the dead drop down 'neath the burning sky, 

For the Yellow Death is upon the air 

And the City lies in the clutch of despair 1" 

Colonel— Men do you hear those ominous words 2' 
What are we to do ^ It is already upon us! 

Major -Gentlemen, I must get my family away from 
here — I must go ! 

Captain — Yes, as many people as possible— especially 
women and children— must he gotten out in spite of 
quarantines. As for myself I propose to stay and see it 
through. 

Colonel — Yes, so shall I — or fall in trying! 

Fakmek — Gentlemen, my home and all I ha^e is open, 
free to all I can accommodate. I speak the same for all 
my neighbors I Send your people out. We'll do the best 
we can ! 
Major — Well, I'll go right now ! Come on I 
Captain — As for me I shall never desert the good old 
town. 

On thy needs, Meridian, I will stand and wait I 
Colonel — Mere too's a heart and hand for any fate I 

{ C u rtui It . £alL>>j --^ 




ACT IV. Scene 2nd. 

[ A ,..n„/i ihir- GrtuMs if hcT Sevoos ir/io fell, under the breath 
of the ieUotv I'exfffenee.'] 

Meridian--- 

Thou goddess Fame, who since the birth of Time 
On foremost wave of human acts sublime 
Hast rode, and with thy scroll and pen in hand 
Hast traced the deeds of every race and land ; 
- Who chooses scenes where heroes' hearts are tried. 
And marks the spot where modest worth has died. 
Who hovers o'er the blood-damp'd battle ground. 
And leaves th}' wreath upon the soldier's mound--- 
Come, leave those scenes which country's love inspires, 
Those combats heated by ambition's fires ; 
Turn from the field where steel and bullets rage, 
And write new courage on thy living page. 

Know'st thou, fair Fame, this beauteous sunny land. 
With flowers bedecked---by balmy breezes fanned ? 
Thou'st been here oft to crown the hero's brow, 
None grander though than those who wait thee now. 
This lovely land is once again in gloom. 
Upon her breast there's many a new made tomb ; 
Our summer sun's been changed into a foe. 
Our breezes fraught with poison and with woe. 
Yea, monster Death hath stol'n the sun's hot beams. 
And caught the moisture from the stagnant streams. 
From filthy pools and marshes low and damp. 
From fen and flat and from the boggy swamp, 
And of them wove a yellow mantle long 
Within whose feverish folds he's wrapt a throng 
Of rich and poor and manj' a suflferer's slave. 
And brushed them all alike into the grave. 

Here "mid these scenes the human heart's been tried, 
And man\' a hero here, unnoticed, died ; 
Patiently through nights of fever and of pain 
The silent night-watch's seen the life-spark wane, 
And walked exhausted oft from door to door 
To help the needy---he himself as poor. 
He who can bend o'er some lone humble bed, 
Where fever feeds and where it long has fed--- 
Death's yellow mantle dangling 'gainst his cheek 
While doing valor which he would not speak- -- 
Is 'mong the brave, whose modest lives and worth 
Their God remembers, e'en if fof got on earth. 



Boast not, thou page, which holds the warrior's name. 
Nor thou which breathes the honor'd statesman's famel 
Thou marble shaft, which points towards the skies. 
Speak not too loud ! Beneath thy base there lies 
Oft times less virtue than thy carvings tell--- 
The shaft of monied knaves might do as well; 
There rests 'neath thee perhaps a heart less brave 
Than that which sleeps in some neglected grave. 
Here, o'er a fever hero's humble dust 
Build thy tail shaft, O Fame---if one you must. 

[Curtain Falls.] 



ACT v. Era of Present Prosperity. 

[Enter Meridian.] 

[Scene: In Board of Trade and Cotton Exchange Rooms. Merid- 
ian represented by a lady larger and older than the one representing 
the city through the three preceding acts.-] 

Meridi.\n- Ten years almost since the Yellow Death 
stripped me of some of my best ; but va^ people are a 
race of men and women who look up and faint not. 
Business is brightening — everything seems to have a for- 
ward look. At present I have five railroads — "the Old 
Reliable," the M. c% 0., who knew^ me in my early days 
and sometimes twitted me as being only a little "flag sta- 
tion" lost in the piney woods ; then next the Y. & M ; 
then the Selma Railroad, now the East Tennessee, Vir- 
ginia and Georgia, or a part of that sj^stem ; then after 
the war what a flush time we had building the Alabama 
and Chattanooga, now the Alabama Great Southern. 
The construction of it scattered greenbacks about here 
for a while in the imaginations of many as thick as 
autumn leaves in Vallambrosa, and everybody felt rich; 
but finally what a collapse, my countrymen ! Lately we 
have completed the New Orleans and Northeastern ; and 
I think that I can rightfulh' claim to be at last a ■^ji-eat 
railroad centre. 

A spirit among my people to move on faster seems to 
be trying to develop. What we need is some rousing 
spirit to inspire and lead the way. The poet's doctrine, 
"They also serve who only stand and wait"— I wonder if 
that applies to towns as well as individuals. May be if 
I'll only stand and wait, a good fortune will overtake me 
in course of time. So saj^ some ; while a few others, like 
a hen with one chicken, keep scratching away with as 
much flurry and flutter as if they had set the town ablaze 
with excitement and say we must keep moving and move 
faster. I really believe we need somebody who 

[Enter Eli.l 

Eli — My name is Eli ! I am the Eli that you read about 
— the fellow that gets there with both feet— and don't you 
forget it. I have come to take charge of Meridian. 
I understand that she wants to grow, and is mak- 
ing desperate efforts to do so. I am the citizen whose 
influence she long has sought. I was born in the cave 
where the Dakota blizzards roost. In my infancy the 
whirlwinds have been my playmates on the prairies, and 
in my maturer years 1 have run down the great western 
cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes until they were out of 
breath. I am the son of Goliath of Gas, the half-brother 
of Exaggeration, and am in love with the Spirit of Pro- 
gress I am the Power of the Press and the inventor of 
printer's ink — ^job work executed with neatness and de- 
spatch on reasonable terms— the newspaper, the great 
moulder of public opinion, weekly, $2.00 a year in ad- 
vance, and now is the time to subscribe. I am the morn- 
ing and the evening daily with the very latest Press Dis- 
patches and Market Reports. I'm The Meridian Daily 
News and the Meridian Democrat all rolled into one, and 
don't you forget it ! 



8 



The Q,ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



Meridian— But, my dear sir, you enter very unceremo 
inously---you seem almost out of breatli ! 

ELi---Unceremoniously ! You mustn't stand on cere- 
mony, my unsophisticated friend. Ceremony is out of 
date. You must go it with a rush— keep things a 'whoop- 
ing. Yes, run yourself out of breath. Did you know 
that a boom is about to strike this country. In a short 
time every town and city will own a boom. In fact the 
boom is already a booming. Keach out and catch it. 
You are the town to move nght along I'll take charge 
of this business From now on,we are the most desirable 
tOAvn in America---no other town is fit to live in. There 
must'nt be any kickers in the ranks, but everybody must 
"gallop with the gang." Any man who wants to go 
the other way— "his name is Dennis" already ! 

What shall we do? Why, form a syndicate- -two of them 
—three— fifty— a hundred. I tell you what, a syndicate is 
the thing. It's like J<^hnson grass. Plant just one stalk 
of it and it will send its roots down 316 feet into the 
ground and spread all over creation and take your prem- 
ises, and whenever a man succeeds in getting rid of it, all 
his great grand-children's children will be dead. That's the 
way with a syndicate. All you want is one; then after a 
while there'll be more of 'em than you've got inhabitants. 

I tell you, my friend, we are getting there in "great 
shape." My motto is "get there'' — not with one foot lag- 
ging behind— but get therewith both feet, heels clear over 
the line, and no falling backwards and catching on the 
hands. I'll go out and summons together some of your 
prominent citizens and form a General Welfare Commit- 
tee out of them. That's another thing you need. I tell 
you, there's nothing on the face of this globe wdth as much 
jurisdiction as a Welfare Committee. They'll do the 
thing up brown! They'll set the ball in motion! They'll 
"paint the town red," and don't you forget it. [Exii Eli.] 

Meridian— He's a queer being, to be sure. I've heard of 
him before, it seems to me. Let me see. Eli--Eli. [said 
reflectiveli/.] He's what you call a progressive citizen, I 
imagine. He evidently intends to raise a storm of some 
sort, and, as a calm is said always to precede a storm, I 
suppose that explains my present drowsy feelings. [Falls 
Into a sleep.} 

Tableau : Meridian^s (Dream of the Future. 

[Enter Eli, accompanied by members of Welfare Committee, viz : 
Gen. Hustler, Col. Penninink, Capt. Wiseman, and others.] 

Meridian — Eli, Eli ! I have had such a sweet sleep 
since you left, and such a delightful dream in the midst of 
it. O, I think I saw my future in that dream. It was 
full of meaning. I could read it like a poem. In the 
bright and lovely vision I saw a beauteous array of 

Eli — Never mind what you dreampt. This is no time 
for dreaming. This is not an age of dreams. If you 
waste your time dreaming you'll never "get there" with 
one foot, even. The object of life is to get there with 
hoth feet ! What you want is. Facts — not Dreams. "In 
this life we want nothing but Facts— nothing but Facts !" 
Life "is a mere question of figures, a case of simple arith- 
metic." We are going to organize a Welfare Committee 
now, and are going to run this town. Give us a rest on 
dreams and visions. [JSxit Meridian.'] 

You, now, General, [Addressing Gen. Hustler] are to 
act as President of the Committee ; you, Colonel, as Sec 
retary; Capt. Wiseman, he can do the heavy standing 
around, and I'll act as Treasurer, while all the balance of 
you will be the Vice-Presidents, the private members and 
the Standing Committees. We are ready for business 
now. Whoop her up, boys ! 

First Private Member— But, here, if the court please, 
don't you think we ought to place these gentlemen regu- 



larly and formally in nomination for these offices. To or- 
ganize otherwise looks most too "cut and dried." 

Eli— Any way, just so we put the machine a'grinding. 

[Eli engages a member in undertone conversation.] 

Second Private Member— Oh, that takes too much 
time. Life's too short. 

First Private Member— [^.si^Je to Second Private 
Member] But, plague take it, I've got a nominating 
speech in me that's a'lmrting. It must come out ! 

Eli- -All right, gentlemen, proceed with the nomina- 
tions. [To third (Private Member.] Go ahead ! 

Third Private Member— I nominate General Hustler 
for President of this meeting. 

Several Voices -I second the nomination. 

Eli— You've heard the nomination. All in favor of 
General Hustler as President signify it by saying "Aye ;" 
all opposed, "No." General Hustler is elected. Next is 
Secretary. Hurry up, gentlemen ! 

First Private Member -If the Court please, and gentle- 
men of the jury, I arise to place in nomination for the 
office of Secretary a gentleman well known to you all- 
one w'ho, during the late unhappy struggle between the 
States, heroically buckled on his armor and rushed to do 
battle for his 

Eli -Never mind what he done in the war! We are 
not running the war now--we are going to do this town 
up— that's what we are here for ! And it makes no differ- 
ence, either, which side he died on. We'll stop this whole 
nominating business ! Colonel Penninink, you are the 
man picked out for Secretary. Let's get down to business ! 

[Enter Capitalist.] 

See ! Look ! There goes sometliing now 'tnat OllglU to 
be caught. Rope him in ! Go for hira ! 

General Hustler— Who is it--what is it ? 

Eli -Why, it's a capitalist. You need all of his sort 
you can get. Catch him ! Look at him--he's hunting for a 
good investment right now. He wants to move some- 
where. 

Colonel Peninink— But, how do you know he's a capi- 
talist ? 

Eli Why, easy enough ! he's a stranger in town — 

never was seen about here before— of course he's a capi- 
talist ! 

General Hustler- -How will Ave catch him, though 'i 
We don't know how to get at him. A capitalist is a timid, 
skerry sort of a bird, isn't he ? 

Eli— Why, just catch him ! Put salt on his tail— meet 
him at the train with a brass band— ride him around 
town- write some resolutions about him— tender him a 
banquet — give him an ovation — do anything. Why, that 
fellow is in search right now^ for a place to build a factory 
of some kind — he's got capital. That's what you want. 
That's the only stuff that wall set the wheels of Com- 
merce and Industry in motion I tell you, we must have 
him ! I'll tackle him for you. [Calls to Capitalist from 
across the stage.] 

Say— there-- -my friend! You! I say- Are You Coming 
South ? [ Capitalist looks towards Eli and Eli approach- 
es him.] 

Capitalist— What did you remark? 

Eli — I say, are you coming South ? If so, I want to 
speak a few plain words that I think will interest a man 
like you. You are a man of business, ain't you ? 

Capitalist — Yes, sir, I profess to be. 



The Q,ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



9 



p^n — Well, that's just what I am, too. Birds of a feath- 
er will flock together ; and not only that, they delight in 
and seek the same atmosphere, the same climate, and the 
same surroundings generally — hence I propound to you 
the momentous question, the answering of which it is 
dangerous to delay, to-wit : "Ake You Cojiing Sot^th T 

Capitalist— Well, my dear sir, I iiave not exactly de- 
cided yet. 1 am looking about for a new home and place 
for profitable investment. The extreme cold weather of 
the North- W' est freezes up my 

j]li — Exactly so — just as I knew ! Freezes up your fac- 
tory and your whole physical system generally and that 
of your family. Now, let me tell you, this is the place 
for you to come to. Gome South ! Come to Meridian ! 
I tell you, my friend, this is the God-favored section of 
the earth and Meridian is the hub. We've got five difter- 
ent railroads going out in six different points of the com- 
pass and two more that will be built in the near future. 
One of them reaches across to the rich Mississippi bottoms 
and connects us with the Father of Waters. Another 
splits oj)en in its course tlie finest prairie cotton lands in 
the world and drains the heavily laden cotton fields of 
West Alabama right into Meridian. Another ijenetrates 
the heart of the world-renowned pine forests of that re- 
gion of Mississip])i that dips towards the sea---forests, the 
envy of the whole wide world. xA.nother oi' our railroads 
taps the inexhaustible coal and iron lands of Alabama 
and puts fuel for. factories right at our doors (and as far as 
iron land is concerned, there's plenty of that down here 
at Enterprise,) not only that, but it connects us with the 
markets of the East. Another takes us also through pine 
woods on to Mobile on the bay, and passing north carries 
us on by Marion Station to the Ohio Kiver and gives us 
everything beyond. Yes, we are the coming city of the 
South. Draw a .straight line from New York to New Or- 
leans- --the two ctpposing poles of the great commercial 
magnet of America— and it will pass right through Merid- 
ian, missing it but a hair's-breadth. Our lands are fine 
for tr;^.ck farming, cotton, corn, grasses, all sorts of grain 
and so I'orth, and so forth- and we've got the very larg- 
est assortment of flowers, sunshine, balmy breezes, 
health, happiness and prosperity ; and this is the place 
you are looking for ! Now, what do you say ? 

Capitalist — From what I've seen I am very favorably 
impressed with your beautiful and thriving city ; but '- 

Eli — Exactly so ! 

Capitalist — I desire, however, to extend my inspect- 
ions further, after which I shall decide probably upon 
some point of locating. I am thinking very seriously of 
moving my establishment to some other than its present lo- 
cation. I would be delighted to have a longer interview 
with you on this subject and hope for one some time soon. 
At this moment I have some private matters demanding 
my attention, and must beg you to excuse me. I bid you 
good evening. \(Bows courteously to leave.] 

Eli — Well, now, my friend, I'd like to know before you 
go : "Are You Gomtng South V 

Capitalist — From present prospects I think I'll have 
to! 

Eli — Well, let me present you with some of our liter- 
ature. After perusing this, you will surely want to be- 
come one of us. [Eli presents Capitalist with a copy of 
'•'•Are You Coming South?'''] 

Capitalist — Thank you ! Good-day. sir. 

Eli— I J ddressing Capitalist.] Good-bye, Colonel. 
Hope to see you again soon. [Exit Capitalist.] 

General Hustler — [Approaching Eli., elated— accom- 
panied by Welfare Cc'.nmittee---slapping Eli on the hack?] 



"We are getting there, Eli, with both feet— and don't you 
forget it !" 

Eli— You bet ! AVe must go now and pass some resolu- 
tions about that fellow, and have it stated in the morn- 
ing's paper that a large, new cotton factory is on the eve 
of being established in Meridian by a number of rich and 
wealthy capitalists from the East, who are tired and dis- 
gusted with that frozen section, and who are perfectly in 
love with our Southern country, and who make miraculous 
predictions of her wonderful future. Come, let's be at it ! 

General Hustler -But here---what was that fellow's 
name^ 

Eli— Be blamed if I didn't forget to ask him his name. 
But that makes no difference. His nameis nothiii<i-. His 
money is what we want! [Exeunt All.] 

[Enter M. .V O. R. R. Train.] 

M. & O. Conductor- -Meridian ! Change cars for Sehna, 
Montgomery. Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Vicksburg, New 
Orleans, Shreveport and Texas Pacific points. 

[Enter V. cV M. R. R. Train.] 

V. &M. Conductor -Meridian! Change cars for Mo- 
bile, New Orleans, Selma, Montgomery, Chattanooga, At- 
lanta, and Carolina and Georgia points ! 

[Enter E. T. \ . & G. Train.] 

E. T. V.d' G. ('oNDUCTOR— Meridian ! Change cars for 
Mobile, New Orleans, Vicksburg, Shreveport," and Tex- 
as points! 

[Enter A. G. S. Train.] 

A. (t. S. CoNnicTOR— Meridian ! Change cars for Mo- 
bile, Vicksburg, Jackson, Shrevepji't and Texas points! 

[Enter N. O. .V N. E. Train.] 

N. 0. eV N. E. Conductor -Meridian! Change cars [^^\• 
Selma, :\Iontgomery, Alobile, St. Louis, Cairo, ajid Vicks- 
burg ! 

[Hotel Porters call out their Motels.] 

{Enter Meridian.] 

Meridian — Watchnian tell us of the night, 
. What its signs of promise are I 

W.\TCiiMAX — Dawn's rosy fingers appear in sight ; 

Dark fades away — the sky grows clear. 

Meridian — Thanks, thanks I my watchman on the heights ! 
Who scans with never failing eye 
The heavens beyond, and reads" aright 
My future on the distant sky- 
Tell me, I pray vou, tell again, 
That I Prosperity may hope. 
That I life's rugged race may run 
With swifter foot and fitly cope 
With other cities of my time. 

\\'atciiman — I do I fair city of the East ! 

Spread out your banner to the day. 
And have it kissed on every fold 
By the rising sun's each healthful rav I 
Put fo.-th the will ! Stretch forth the hand ! 
And bid the Spirit of Progress come — 
On your beck'ning hand she only waits) 
Her heart is fi.xed on this fair land. 
Her face turned towards your openin" ''ates ! 
Call on her — she will hear your voice. 
Her wand has magic in its touch ; 
Your destiny is all your choice. 
Choose that cup which holdeth much. 
The eft'orts made must be your own — 
Good fruit is reaped from good seed sown. 

^f F. R I DI A N — [ So/i/oi/ii iz inff] 

Then let me bid that Spirit come — 
She heeds not those whose \oice is dumb — 
Let Hope, let Industrv, and Thrift 
Point out to her the black cloud's rift, 
And let the maid, in her first view. 
Behold the sunshine streaming through I 



10 



The aueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



O, Spirit of Progress from out the air ! 
Thou goddess — queen, divinely fair ! 
Thou Venus risen from the sea, 
Come, thou, O Spirit, come to me ! 
Touch Commerce with thy magic rod, 
Make all to know thy beck and nod. 
Put wheels in motion — lead the way, 
Turn drowsy night to bustling dav"; 
Bring with you. Spirit, when you'come. 
The music of the FactVy's hum, 
And with thy vesture's gracefulsweep 
Awake my people from their sleep. 

[Enter Spirit of Progress.^ 

She comes — fair Spirit of the air ! 
Welcome, thrice welcome — welcome here ! 
I kneel thy shining face to greet ! 

.{Enter Eli.] 
Em— For we are getting there now with both our feet ! 

Si'iKiT OF Vkogk-es&^I Addressing- Meridian.] 

I heard thy voice upon the winds. 
From out Industry's deaf ning dins 
I've come. New vigor take. I wave 
This star-tipped wand around thy brow; 
It's circle will with magic glow; 
Thine energy 'twill thrill and save. 
Again the magic circle run ! 
Thy life-thread Fate this moment spun. 

Meridian— This from my heart shall ne'er escape— 

Eli — For we are sure to get there in good shape! 

Spirit of Progress— [/t? Meridian.]— 
Give me thy hand and follow me, 
This day Industry shall honor thee ! 
Be thou seated on this throne — 

Eli — And Eli will see the thing well done. 

[The Spirit of Progress and Eli escort Meridian to the throne, 
where she receives the different Industries (in the persons of young 
ladies appropriately costumed) who come to do her honor. Each In- 
dustry, on entering and being introduced, presents Meridian with 
some article expressive of the Industry represented. The Spirit of 
Progress waves her Wand.l 

[Enter Hardzvare.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her to Meridian] 

The first responsive to my cirling wand 
Comes Hardware, moving on with queenlv grace. 
The farmer's, builder's, and the housewife's friend- — 
She holds, in honoring thee a foremost place. 

HARDWARE--[jP/'e*e«i'/«g Meridian -with Lock and Key] 
My love for thee, I pledge shall e'er endure. 
Take these, the emblems of a love secure. — [Exit.] 

Eli — Hardware! So cold, so chill, so awful practical! 
Who could expect one rythmic movement there.' 
Begone, ye doubts ! For motion's poetry 
Hath here appeared in person for Hardware. 

[Enter Jewelry and Silver Ware.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her."] , 

Chains, charms, and bracelets, watches and clocks; 
Spoons, forks, and ladles in a nice little box. 

Eli — [Aside.] 

Yes, send your wives down to look at the clocks. 
Then you, like the spoons, will be in a box. 

Jewelry AND Silver Ware — [Addressing Meridian.] 
Time changes, saith the poet in his rhyme; 
But thro' all changes, this Clock keeps with Time. 

[Enter Queen and Crescent Railroad.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 
Singing thro' the forests. 

Rattling over ridges. 
Shooting thro' the cotton. 

Rumbling over bridges. 
Whizzing thro' the mountains — 

Startling 'tis to me ! 
Bless me, what a Railroad 

Is "the Q^and C." 



Queen and Crescent — [Addressing Meridian.] 
I bring to you and tender 

(To me a pleasing task) 
The tribute of a Crescent 

And Freight Rates as you ask. — (Exit.) 

Er.i — Yes — a lovely Railroad 1 

Charming in her dealings. 
Twisting up male heartstrings. 

Fluttering up their ieelings. 
Clear the track — ye victims ! 

Amazing 'tis to me! 
Yes — a lovely Railroad 

Is this Q^and C. 

[Miter Post Office.] 

Si'iKiT OF Progress — [Introducing her.] 

The Post Office! With letters and papers for all, 
For lovers, for business men, the great and the small ; 
Man3''s the number of those who have sought her — 
The Post Office, Uncle Sam's favorite daughter! 

Post OFFiCE--[Presenting Meridian with a Sealed Letter) 
Enclosed please find an offering from me — 
My pledge to be all that an Office should be. 

[Exit ] 

Er.i — Oh, who is it that would not bend the knee. 
Or do anything to please the Powers that be. 
To win this, the favorite child of the Nation.' 
Yes, hurrah for the present Administration! 
Hurrah for Ben Harrison and his whole delegation! 
Hurrah for Eli's application! 

(Enter Cotton Compress.) 

Spirit of Ppogress — [Introducing her.] 

The Cotton Compress — a grand and good thing — 
Of all your industries is traffic's strong wing; 

Ei.i — But Beauty that matches a Venus thrice o'er, 

Into one is here compressed and moves to j'our door 

Co.MPKESs — [Presenting Meridian with a diminutive 
Cotton Bale.] 
The South's fleecy staple — the tribute I br 
God bless our Southland! Her Cotto 



5 I bring, 
n is King. 

^ [JSXtl.] 



[Enter Ice Factory.] 

Eli — Let me give you a riddle : 

The sultrier the summer, the more it's a wheezing; 
The hotter the weather, the more it's a'freezing. 

What's that ? Ice Factory ! 

Ice Factory — [Addressing Meridian.] 
My offering is cool and nice; 
'Tis all I have — a piece of ice. {Exit) 

-Spirit of Progress — 

In looks, she's cold as Artie regions, 
At heart as warm as summer's sun; 
The Factory ice is all unnatural — 
By artifice the freezing's done. 

[Enter Fire Department.] 

Spirit OF Progress — [Introducing her.] 

IVIeridiau Fire Department ! 

Lucky boys---the fire laddies. 

To have such one their honors wear — 

She as gentle as they are daring. 
They as brave as she is fair. 

Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! 

Are cries that thrill them and inspire. 

F''iRE DEPARTMENT---[Presenting Meridian with Fire- 
man's Silver Speaking Trumpet. -i 

In their behalf, thyself I come to greet, 

And lay this down, their tribute, at thy feet. {Exit. 

En ---Yes, she's as sweet as they are homely, 

They as tough as she is fair. 
Lucky boys- --these fire laddies-- - 

To have such Grace their deeds declare; 
But blooming Beauty can to duty 

Call them, and their hearts inspire. 
As well as yelling like Camanches — 

Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! 



The Clueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



11 



J^Enter Queen of F"lo\vers, accompanied by Six Fairies.] 

Spirit of PROGRESs---[Introducing them.] 

Flowers, like stars, lift up the heart of man. 

Flower QuEEN---[Addressing Meridian.] 

My jewels here I bring from fairy bowers, 
Their souls are sunshiue--their companions, flowers ; 
Accept them and the tributes that they bring--- 
Flowers fresh opened by the kiss of Spring. 

Eli — Thr flowers that bloom in the spring, tra la, 

Bring beauty and promise and a sweet perfume; 
As we merrily skip and we sing, tra la, 
We welcome the hope that they bring, tra la, 

Of the fact we have started a boom. 
For a boom in these times is always a thing 
As welcome as flowers that bloom in the spring. 

[Enter Goddess of Health (Drugs) ] 

Spirit of PROGRESS---[Introducing her.] 

Health for the ailing---relief for the sick; 

Rose cheeks for the failing---strength for the weak. 

Goddess of HEALTH---[Addressing Meridian.] 
Though health and vigor flush your cheek. 
No telling when you may grow sick; 
Of Drugs I leave you your allotal, 
Be sure, now---always shake the bottle! {Exit.) 

Eli- -Bottles of physic and boxes of pills, 

Chewing-gum, prescriptions, and big doctors" bills! 

[Enter National Bank.] 

Spirit of PROGRESs---[Introducing her.] 
Checks and bank-notes and bonds, 

Greenbacks, silver and gold; 
Your National Banks no one outranks. 
The world's paper bought here and sold. 

Nation.\l BANK---[Addressing Meridian] 
That I my heart to thine may join, 
I give to thee a bag of coin. [Exit.] 

Eli- -Money — montiv — money — money 1 

That's the tiling we need; 
With plenty of monej' to help us on, 

We're sure then to succeed. 
O money — money — money — money ! 
To see a woman with lots of money, 
Makes me feel so awful funny. 

For that is what I need! 

[Enter Goddess of Grain, Provisions, Feed Stuffs, &c.] 

Spirit of Progress— [Introducing her.] 
Here's flour and here's corn meal. 

Here's oats and here's ha^^ — 
The things that are needed 
By man every day. 

Goddess of Grain, &c. — [Addressing Meridian.] 
Life's staples I bring thee — 

For man and for beast: 
By many they're wanted — 

Few only can feast. — [Exit. 

Eli— Yes, there's corn meal and there's flour. 

There's oats and there's hay, 

And all sorts of cow feed 

That you need every d.iy, 
To- wit: Wheat bran and Timothy, Lespidisa and chops— 



A bill running on 



Forever and aye- 
Without end, like the world- 
stops. 



-like the brook, never 



[Enter Candy Factory.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 
A place there is within your bounds 
Where sweetness lavishly abides, 
Where Candy, pure and bright, is made. 
O'er which this gentle maid presides. 

Candy Facto uy— [Addressing Meridian.] 

A bunch of nick-nacks — candy and cake I 
Wilt thou from me this box of sweetness take? 

\_Exit.] 



Eli — A box of candy and a girl 

Go mighty well together; 
The latter loves the former more 

Sometimes than a brother: 
This streak-ed sweetness long drawn out 
Is good for boys to have about. 

[Enter Cigar Factory.] 
Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 
The twister of the Cuban weed — 

A friend to every smoker; 
Her wares, a solace to the sad — ■ 
A great help to the joker. 

Cigar Factory — [Addressing Meridian.] 

Receive this, please — from me a souvenir — 
My Factory's best Havana leaf Cigar. [Exit.] 

Eli — Yes, Hodges' best! Enough already said! 

It's known bv all — the best Cigar that's made. 

[Enter Crockery.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 

Crockery — Crockery — Crockery line. 

Cups, saucers, and goblets, and everything fine. 

Crockery — [Addressing Meridian.] 

Accept, I pray you, of these wares of mine, 

And smile with favor on the Crockery .line. [Exit.] 

Eli — Crockery — Crockery — Crockery line! 

If you're all broke up just go to Joe Cline, 

But if while j'ou're there he keeps very muin. 

Don't feel ofl'ended — for poor Joe is dumb! 

You will also find favor in Fortune's bright wheel, 

If, in looking for Crockry, you'll go to Casteel. 

[Enter Photographic Studio.] 
Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 

From Art's rich Temple this fair lady comes. 
And bowing, craves thy smile in Art's behalf. 

Photographic Studio — [Addressing Meridian.] 

My Portrait this — hy God's own sunlight drawn. 
Wilt thou accept it? — this, my Photograph. [Exit.] 

Eli — Photography! The art work of the sun! 

Just seat yourself before the artist's gun- 
E'er you can wink. 
Or even think. 

The photographing's done. 
[Enter Music] 
Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 

There's music in the laughing of the rills 
, And in the songs the forest warblers sing, 

The butterfly that dances o'er the hills 

Hath music in the motions of his wing; — 
But all the notes that human throat e'er tried, 
In this one form are here personified! 

Music — [Addressing Meridian.] 

Accept this Harp! It's strung with straws of Pine. 
A subject let me always be of thine. [Exit.] 

Eli — Rings on her fingers and bells on her beaux, 
She will have music wherever she goes! 

[Enter Insurance Business.] 
Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 

Here comes the one that makes men feel secure; 
For prudent men their goods always Insure. 

Insurance Business — [Presenting Meridian with a 

Policj' of Insurance.] 
I here Insure you 'gainst all adverse gales — 
M&y Fortune's winds forever fill your sails. [Exit.] 

Eli — If your house is on fire and she's about. 
You need'nt try to put it out — 
She'll fix you at an early day; 
It oft improves one's premises 
To have these old things burned away. 

[Enter Furniture Factory.] 

Spirit of Progress — [Introducing her.] 

House Furniture Maker for rich and for poor! 
Anything needed she'll place at your door. 

Furniture Factory — [Presenting Meridian with an 
Article of Household Furniture.] 
A specimen product, substantial and good- 
Accept it! 'tis made of your own native wood. 

[Exit] 



12 



Kli- 



The Q,ueen of the East ; Or the March of Progress. 



-Our woods are so varied and of excellent grade, 
I wonder of which this sample is made. 



[Enter Public School.] 

Si'iKiT OF Progrkss — [Introducing her.] 

The Public Schools! Our people's pet and pride.' 
For Freedom needs the School House by her side. 

Pi liLic School — [Presenting Meridian with a Globe or 
other Article of School Furniture.] 
Twelve hundred children, in whose name I come, 

Send this and wish God's blessings on thy head; 
In love with Knowledge, may thv people all 
Forever in the paths of virtue tread. [Exit] 

Ki.i — "A little learning is a dangerous thing, 

Drink deep or touch not the Pierian spring." 
Regarding this a wise and prudent rule, 
Meridian youngsters, eager, go to school. 
And taste the spring, not merely with a sup. 
But bending o'er it, drink the whole spring up. 
This which I tell you, is the very truth- - 
There's nothing small about Meridian youth. 

(Enter Sash and Blind Factory.) 

Spirit of Progre.ss — (Introducing her.) 

The song of the Planer is here to be heard, 
And chopping of Chisels on Sash. Doors 
Blir.ds; 
Here Industry revels, and needs not a word 
To assure you this Fact'ry does work of all kind^ 

S.vsH .\ND Blixd F.vctory — (Addressing Meridian.) 
A modest sample, this, of Labor's skill. 
I pledge thee Labor loyal to thy will. [Exi'f.] 

Eli — The Sash and Blind 1 Yes, such an awful hum — 
It splits 30ur ears and drowns out ;ill you savl 
Machinery — belting — hammers have their way. 
It's r.icket tells of Progress surely come. 

(linter Machine Shops and Foundries.) 

Spirit of Progress — (Introducing her.) 

Vulcan — who shapes the iron to his will — 
Sends his fair daughter here to honor thee. 



nd 



M.\eHiNE Shops and Foundries — (Presenting 

ian with a diminutive Locomotive E 

From glowing forges and i evolving wheels, 

This olfering wilt thou here accejit from me 

Eli — A worthy tribute this fair one presents. 

God bless the sweat-drops that it represents 



Merid- 
ngine.) 



■£.x//.] 



(Enter Carriage Factory.) 

Spirit of Progress — (Introducing her.) 

Buggies and Carriages — Wagons and Carts, 
Made here and mended in all of their parts. 

C.vRRi-'^^GE Factory — (Addressing Meridian.) 

My Factory hath sent you this tribute — a Wheel. 
Of vour own timbers made and is true as of steel. 

[Exit] . 

Eli — No wonder her wheels are so true and so good, 

When our limitless forests are fat with such wood. 

(Enter Fertilizer Factor}'.) 

Spirit of Progress — (Introducing her.) 

God bless our worn out hills and vales 
That once produced such cotton ba^es; 
The Powder which these bags contain 
Can give them back their life again. 

Fertilizer Factory — (Presenting Meridian with Bags 

of Sweetly Perfumed Powder.) 
Accept these, pray — because, forsooth. 

They'll give 3'our fields Perennial Youth. [Exif.i 

Eli — No need to scatter on the ground 

That stuff. Just let her walk around 
And on the fields one look bestow, 
Her smiles will make the cotton grow. 

[Enter Meridian Daily News and The Daily Democrat.] 

Spirit of Progress — (Introducing them.) 
Locals and the Press Dispatches. 
Markets, Personals, and Puffs, 
Editorials on the Tariff, 



Society Notes, Arrests of Roughs. 
Two papers these, all men peruse — 
The Democrat and the Dailv News. 
NVhich is more praised, it's tit for tat 
'Twixt the Daily News and the Democrat. 

Newspapers — (Presenting Meridian with an Associat- 
ed Press Dispatch.) 

The last Dispatch that's taken from the wircsl 
Just listen 1 Hearl Such news as never tires! 
It comes from up in a Northwestern State, 
Blizzard Hollow is the place of date: 

(Reads the Dispatch Aloud.) 

"A cpravan of aggregated wealth. 
Investment seeking and desiring health. 
Is leaving here from all this country round — 
Meridian is the point for which it's'bound." 

lExi/] 
Em — ^Just listen, won't you, at the joyful news! 

Ten thousand people moving — got "the blues!" 
All coming here — so our papers say. 
Southward the Star of Empire makes its way! 

Spirit of Progress — (Aildressing Meridian.) 
In solid phalanx under jour review 
My subjects now shall pass and honor j'ou; 
And when you see how gracefully they"mo\ e, 
You'll count it fortune that you've gained their lo\e. 
(Addressing the Industries in the Distance.) 

Come Hardware — Silver — Money — Labor — all! 
Thou daughters, fair, of Progress, hear my call! 
Come on! Come on! Meridian's favor win. 
Come, let the March of Industry begin! 

(Enter the Industries in Double Columns.) 

Grand Makcii of the Inei'stries and of Progress. 

[The March ended by the Column of Industries forming' in semi- 
circular line about Meridian on her throne.] 

Spirit oi' Progress — 

Meridian, thou city of the lofty pine ! 

These nymphs of commerce at thy beaulc'His shrine 

Bow their proud headb, and M,;tri one lif.-ir '. :4gro<?. 

They honor themselves when thus they honor thee. 

Thy supple feet, by fairies brushed with flowers. 

.Shall fleeter grow with time, and all thy powei ■- 

The world shall see, and seeing know thy w orth. 

And Commerce bless the era of thj' birth. 

Th}' past is hallo w'd by manj- a sacred scene ; 

Most of thine acts, thank heaven, toward virtue lean. 

Graves of thine honored dead crown neighb'ring hills — 

Their mem'ry yet the living present thrills. 

As thou didst pray me, I have come to thee. 

And found, on coming, thou art fair to see. 

Thy hills I've touched with this, my magic rod, 

And homes sprung forth where lately Nature trod. 

Thy fact'ries' music mingles with the sound 

Of that sweet music from thy rills around. 

My subjects---Thrift and Industry andBrawn--- 

Have hither been by thine own virtues drawn, 

The tide which looks and, timid, often waits. 

Is moying ever towards thy tow'ring gates. 

And here to-night---while eyes of Friendship feast--- 

I crown thee, fair one-- Queen City of the East ! 

(The Grand March Continues. The Spirit of Progress and Eli, 
bringing up the rear of the two Columns, take position at front of 
Stage, the two moving columns forming behind them in semi-circular 

lines.) 

Spirit of Progress — 

Indulgent friends — Goodnight! Good night! 

May coming days be rosy bright 

To you, to yours, to all you love. 

And blessings reach you from above. 

Our task has been to build your town. 

At this point now we lay it down; 

The work begun you must pursue. 

Its finishing we leave with you, 

May you with hearl the charge assume, 

Eli — And never be without a boom! 

Spirit of Progress — Good night! 

Eli — Good night! 

All — Good night! (iood night! 



